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  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Kanazawa
  4. Seisonkaku Villa
A traditional Japanese wooden hallway with tatami mats, shoji screens, and hanging light fixtures, overlooking a garden with lush greenery through large windows and bamboo blinds.
A traditional Japanese wooden hallway with tatami mats, shoji screens, and hanging light fixtures, overlooking a garden with lush greenery through large windows and bamboo blinds.
A traditional Japanese garden features lush green pines, moss-covered ground, a stone lantern, and a wooden building under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A traditional Japanese garden with vibrant autumn foliage, including a red maple tree, lush greenery, and a wooden building with a tiled roof in the background, seen under the edge of a wooden eave.
A peaceful Japanese garden with a stone path, moss-covered ground, a wooden building, and trees casting dappled sunlight.
A wooden veranda extends along the side of a traditional Japanese building, overlooking a tranquil garden with green trees, shrubs, and sunlight filtering through the foliage.
Kanazawa

Seisonkaku Villa

4.3 (437)Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated May 17, 2026

Seisonkaku Villa, nestled in Kanazawa, is a striking example of the cultural and architectural sophistication of the Edo period. Built in 1863 by Maeda Nariyasu for his mother, the villa is a testament to the Maeda clan's wealth and influence, which was second only to the shogunate in power during that era.

The villa's architecture and interiors are masterpieces of traditional Japanese design, featuring an array of vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship. The use of natural light and space in Seisonkaku is particularly noteworthy, with rooms arranged to offer views of the changing seasons in the garden, enhancing the sense of harmony between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Inside, Seisonkaku is adorned with rare woods and luxurious lacquers, and each room has a unique theme and color scheme that reflects the changing seasons or specific artistic motifs. The "Blue Room," for instance, is renowned for its calming blue hues and elegant iris paintings, while other rooms display delicate pine motifs and vibrant floral designs.

The villa also boasts a beautifully maintained garden, a typical feature of samurai residences, designed to provide a serene and contemplative space for its occupants.

Hours:

9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)

Closed:

Closed on Wednesdays

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

General/University students: 700 yen

High school and junior high school students: 300 yen

Elementary school student: 250 yen


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 76-221-0580
Website
www.seisonkaku.com


The area

Address
1-2 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 76-221-0580

Website

www.seisonkaku.com

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What other travelers are saying about Seisonkaku Villa

I liked walking inside this medieval villa built by a Maeda lord for his mother. It is filled with artifacts such as scrolls, carvings, and clothes from an ancient time. Do note that you can only take pictures of the garden—taking photos are prohibited for the rest of the displays. The highlight for me was being able to gaze at the garden while it was raining, it was such a peaceful experience. The only thing I wish is that the lighting could be made a little brighter.
Profile
Alvin Dizon
Nov 8, 2025
Fabulous place to visit! Built in 1863, this Villa was intended by Maeda Nariyasu for his mother to live out her retirement years comfortably. The villa is very large (1000m2) and 2 stories, but the garden is over 4 times larger and circumnavigated the villa and backs directly on to the Kenrokuen-en Gardens. The villa is very preserved, with several artefacts also on display. There is loads on information in Japanese and English. I would highly recommend a visit to this villa. No photos allowed inside, but photos of the gardens are fine. No shoes in the building. Free lockers are available .
Profile
Kirsty
Sep 9, 2025
Hidden within Kenrokuen is this villa that used to belong to the Maeda clan. The downstairs rooms all have exhibits with plenty of English explanatory information. Exhibits include many everyday items including toys and dolls. An interesting feature is the sliding doors which all have special decorations that enumerate the order in which the doors should be placed. Upstairs has fewer exhibits, but there's an interesting doll which is said to have protective powers. It's a pity no photos are allowed in the house except for the garden.
Profile
ChungH
May 22, 2025
Stunning! Well worth the visit. Sadly garden photos only but quietly pleased to see interior photos from others...
Profile
Curry Leaves
Nov 7, 2025
The most gorgeous traditional Japanese house with fancy decorations and goods resided by Maeda family. It has a lot of different architectural styles and materials which makes the house unique. Photos are only allowed in the gardens. Admission is 700 yen, a bit expensive for the size and exhibition if you don’t really know the history, but worth visiting when you come to Kanazawa for the first time.
Profile
Wakana Komatsu Kodo
Nov 6, 2020

Nearby attractions to see

A tranquil Japanese garden with a curved stone bridge over a stream, blooming pink flowers, lush green trees, rocks, and a calm pond in the background under a clear sky.

Kenrokuen Garden

A white sphere stands in front of curved panels in yellow, orange, and pink, creating colorful reflections in an outdoor park with trees, grass, and modern buildings under a blue sky with clouds.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Two women in traditional Japanese kimonos walk side by side down a stone path, bordered by yellow walls and wooden buildings, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Nagamachi Samurai District

A vendor in a maroon apron and black cap arranges skewered grilled meats at a food stall, with trays of yakitori and handwritten signs, inside a kitchen with a microwave and utensils in the background.

Omicho Market

Nearby attractions to see

A tranquil Japanese garden with a curved stone bridge over a stream, blooming pink flowers, lush green trees, rocks, and a calm pond in the background under a clear sky.

Kenrokuen Garden

A white sphere stands in front of curved panels in yellow, orange, and pink, creating colorful reflections in an outdoor park with trees, grass, and modern buildings under a blue sky with clouds.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Two women in traditional Japanese kimonos walk side by side down a stone path, bordered by yellow walls and wooden buildings, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Nagamachi Samurai District

A vendor in a maroon apron and black cap arranges skewered grilled meats at a food stall, with trays of yakitori and handwritten signs, inside a kitchen with a microwave and utensils in the background.

Omicho Market


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Frequently Asked Questions

Seisonkaku Villa was built by a Maeda lord for his mother in the late Edo period, showcasing Kanazawa's samurai elite's opulent lifestyle and architectural elegance.

The villa is noted for its use of vibrant colors, intricate woodwork, and elegantly designed gardens, reflecting the sophisticated aesthetics of the samurai class.

Photography may be restricted inside the villa to preserve the integrity of the artifacts and decor, but the gardens are usually open for photography.

The villa occasionally hosts special exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and cultural events that highlight aspects of Kanazawa's samurai heritage.

Workshops and activities like traditional tea ceremonies or kimono dressing are sometimes available, especially during special events.